(Image source from: Twitter.com/newmurabba)

Saudi Arabia has officially begun construction of Mukaab, a huge cube-shaped building that will reach 400 meters in height. When completed, it will be the largest building in the world. Located in the capital Riyadh, this skyscraper covers an impressive 2 million square meters, which is 20 times the size of the iconic Empire State Building in New York. Mukaab is expected to cost around $50 billion to build and will be the center of a new urban area called New Murabah. This vast area will have more than 25 million square meters of infrastructure and 104,000 residential units. The development aims to offer a unique mix of retail, corporate and cultural experiences, making it a hub for business and leisure activities. Designed as a “premium hospitality destination,” Mukaab features a central atrium space that enhances the experience for visitors and residents alike. The multi-faceted design of the building provides space for different areas and ensures that it becomes a center of attraction for local and international visitors.

The construction will be overseen by the Saudi New Murabay Development Company (NMDC), a flagship company of the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF). The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to diversify its economy and invest in innovative infrastructure projects. Cube-shaped buildings are rare due to inefficient land use, but Saudi Arabia is known for pushing the boundaries of architecture. Saudi Arabia has already embarked on ambitious projects, including the Jeddah Tower, which was intended to be the world's tallest skyscraper but remains unfinished since construction was halted in 2018. Additionally, The Line, which was intended to be a 170km long mirror city across the desert, has confirmed that the planned length will be reduced to 2.4km for now. The new Moraba area envisages “an integrated combination of technology, innovation and sustainability”. According to the official website, the project will be “a center of progress, creativity and entrepreneurship in harmony with natural beauty and authentic culture.”